Hullaballoo

Five rhythms dance was wonderfully nutty and bohemian, trailing round a room in leggings, floaty skirt and a headscarf with other like minded souls dancing away just as the fancy took us. Amazing, but nutty. After 4 hours of continuous movement with only fruit, nuts and seeds as sustenance, I felt I was in an altered state, in a good way. The experience of release and relaxation has stayed with me, and so I will return. Going to the class inspired me to read about Edwardian Bohemians and how experimental they were. My favourite chapter was a debate on whether or not children should be clean, tidy and presentable. Well apparently, not necessarily as long as they are happy and free. Can't wait to experiment on the boys when they return from their hols. It reminded me of a slogan I was on a bag, "no one remembers a woman who behaves well."

It's my birthday tomorrow and, after much jaw gnashing and convention crushing, I have plumped for a non birthday. Presents, cards and cake are totally banned, in favour of lunch with friends, plucking and preening, a walk by the river and an evening with the lovely Schmetterling, who is flying over from Germany tomorrow. I might express my feelings of happiness about my turning 38 in the form of dance, but that will be the limit. Quite liberating really. And when the boys return on Saturday, like the queen, I will celebrate my official birthday with them.

Yesterday, I picked up my favourite takeaway skinny latte from my favourite cafe, before reading about Bohemian mothering in the park. "It's hot," the guy warned. I looked at him incredulously and smiled widely. "It's a good job you told me cos I was just away to pour it all over my head and see what happened." He got my humour and we shared a giggle.